He worked as a communications officer from June 2008 and resigned after his arrest in February 2011.

He was sentenced to six months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court.

White, of Old North Road, was also placed on the sex offenders register for seven years at the hearing on Wednesday.

‘Growing addiction’

The images included photographs and videos of children as young as eight engaged in extreme sex acts.

Speaking at a plea hearing in January, White’s barrister Nerida Harford-Bell said the defendant had a history of self-harm.

“He is a very isolated individual who found himself with a growing addiction,” she said.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Police said: “All applications for employment with the constabulary are subject to rigorous checks and vetting, including the examination of criminal records and employment history.

“Any allegations against employees are fully investigated and disciplinary action and, if necessary, criminal proceedings, will be instigated if appropriate.”

The court also banned White from working with children, and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of his computer equipment.